Spring Fashions | post 17

A maxi skirt

I dare you to find anything sister-wifey about this skirt. Can't do it, can you? It's all in the happy-making color and the silky sway of the fabric that hints at what's underneath when you walk. They suggested adding a simple turtleneck, but eh, I'm not a huge fan of turtlenecks, and I know a lot of you aren't, either. Maybe try a simple t-shirt or even a light sweater. I love this look for Spring!




Anything with a peplum

What is a peplum, you ask? Definition of PEPLUM: a short section attached to the waistline of a blouse, jacket, or dress. Before you look at this '40s-era flourish and think, Yeah, not on my hips, take note: An otherwise trimly cut jacket like this one, paired with slim pants, gives anyone a showstopping hourglass of a figure. So cute!

In case you're wondering, because I was! {Blazer, H&M, $39.95}




Bold blush & a fun hair clip

How's this for a double shot of energy? First, swirl a blush you can actually see on the apples of your cheeks; poppy pink works on every skin tone. Then, tuck a flashy-pretty clip or comb into the side of a low bun. Couldn't be easier.




Printed pants

Word is, these are probably the biggest trend out there for spring. That doesn't mean I'm sold on them. I might as well stick a flourescent sign on my rear end that reads, wide load. In silky fabrics and slim, not pj-ish cuts, they're figure-friendly (and crazy comfortable). Balance them out with neutral, slightly flowy pieces on top. You haven't convinced me yet, but I might give them a try!




Colorful lace

A hue this vibrant, material this luxe--there's a lot to love here. The key to feeling confidently covered in a sheer top is wearing a skin-tone tank underneath. And go for something more conservative on the bottom, like this sweet pencil skirt. I'm digging this look.




The Jackie O. Dress

This flirty spring dress flatters every shape and adds a touch of class to your warm-weather wardrobe. Pair it with a little sweater and some flats and you just might be the talk of the town {in a good way}.

L.L.Bean Signature, $119




Spring Flat

Okay, I found this cute flat somewhere on Facebook, but now that I'm going through all my FB friends status updates, I can't find it anywhere. I wanted to give credit where credit is due, and also so you can all go out and get yourself a pair. Sorry, I will keep looking. I need {not want}, a pair for spring! Oh, oh, I found it... It's from Thistles Home and Gift. Click here. They also have a store in Draper, yea! It's at 217 E. 12300 S. Ste. J1. Check it out, I know I will!


Read more: Spring Fashion and Beauty Trends - Redbookmag.com

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Product Report Card | post 16

Hi everyone!  Recently, I was given the opportunity to try a product from Halftees.com. They are a clothing company that specializes in halved tees {hence, 'halftees'}.  They offer many colors at reasonable prices with free shipping on orders over 75 dollars.  You can choose from a tank, basic, 3/4 sleeve or long sleeved top.  There are even options for youth.

I decided to try out a white 3/4 sleeve in medium.  At first I was very curious to see how the shirt would feel with a band on the bottom edge but it rested right over my bra strap and was hardly noticeable.  The shirt was very comfortable being made of 48% Cotton, 48% Modal, and 4% Spandex.  It seemed the perfect length and fabric for the weather we've been having here in Northern California.  The material was quite soft on my skin.

The fit was a tad generous for my physique according to their Fit Guide; although I am on the petite side.  The shirt was very modest when I paired it with a pink top of my own.  It generously covered my bra straps and bosom and it came 3/4 of the way down my arm.  It was very easy to move in and didn't feel like it would tear when I lifted my arms up.  I love the versatility that these shirts offer.  I could wear a tank under a cowl neck or v neck top, a basic during warmer months and the longer sleeved halftees and turtle neck during the winter.

Now I chose a simple white color having to decided between 7 timeless colors for that style.  I do hope they would come out with different patterns and textures.  I know I would definitely buy a long sleeve that had lace material over it, if they ever came out with that.  This is certainly a wardrobe staple for all.  I can't wait to own more of these!  

Here's my HALFTEES report card:

Material: 10/10
Modesty {when worn under another shirt}: 10/10
Style: 9/10
Website: 10/10
Cost {splurge, moderate or affordable}: Affordable
Versatility: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10 
Size: 9/10

Overall {like, lust or love}: LOVE!  Can't wait to own more! 

Check out another TMW author's review {HERE}.  Please take a look at their website, {HERE}!

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Three outfits in one | post 12 , Guest Blogger

We would love to introduce you to The Dating Divas.  They are a group of women who love to share dating ideas and other relationship advice.  Here's a little more about them.

In a nutshell, each Monday the Divas will offer an awesome date already completely planned for your upcoming weekend! {Aw geez… you’re totally welcome!} Throughout the rest of the week we’ll also post quick & easy ideas to serve your spouse, unforgettable family outings and activities with the kids, intimate moment ideas to spice things up in that room, and fun “romance” crafts to boot! There is definitely something for every couple! .

Below is an article from their website {used with permission}, that shows a fun way to wear an outfit, not only on a date, but THREE DIFFERENT WAYS!

Alright Girls, do you ever have those days where you look in your closet and think “Ugh, I have nothing to wear”?  I am here to help you with that, by SURPRISE using things you already own. In times like these we all need to be recessionista’s! What better way to save money and go green then by using what you already have. I am just here to give you a little inspiration!

Start with something really basic. I like a white loose fitting tee, but any white tee will do. Add a dark pair of jeans,  I like skinny jeans but anything you are comfortable with works! In a poll in the February issue of Glamour Magazine (Yes, I am a self- proclaimed magazine junkie) of 1000 men, GUESS what was their top pick of their favorite outfit for women? A white tee and jeans! So simple and basic and that is what most of our husbands want to see!

Now it’s time to add some personal flair! This first look is super simple. Just add flats and a scarf! Yes it is that easy, and you are ready for lunch with the kiddos and your best friend! (Okay, a quick disclaimer before you see pictures of me…I am not one of those girls that loves 1,000 pictures of myself.  In fact, I would prefer not to have any of me. I will take pictures of my kiddos all day long but NOT MYSELF.) My husband snapped these for me just to show you all how easily you can have a cute look on the fly!

Look number two is just as easy but you look a little more polished!  Just take your favorite pair of boots and any simple blazer.  I call this Cameron Diaz Chic (She is always in a blazer).

Look number three is a little more dressy. Add heels and tuck in the shirt. Now throw on some extra jewelry and you will be ready for date night. 

It is so easy to use what you already have to make something simple so much CUTER!  Have fun shopping your closet and send us some pics of what you come up with!  Who knows….you MAY just come up with the PERFECT outfit for your next date night!!

I hope you all enjoyed this fun article and are able to apply the same method with your clothes.  {HERE} is where you can read their mission statement and find out just a bit more of who the Dating Divas are and what they have to share. 

Show some love and stop by their website, TheDatingDivas.com for more dating tips, ideas, and suggestions!

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The Finishing Touches | Post 09

Hi everyone it's Joyce!  For me, the finishing touch of any outfit is hair and make up. I'm just going to give a few tips that I've found over the years, will work best for daily maintenance.

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For hair:

*This is mainly for those with straight hair

Don't wash your hair everyday. This doesn't mean don't shower everyday, but you don't need to wash you hair on a daily basis. It's actually better for your hair if you don't. Your hair needs the oils it produces to keep it healthy. If you wash your hair daily you're stripping your hair of those oils and they will need to produce more of it faster.

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Use Styling Products. Since most of us probably don't like having damaged hair, you can use styling products when using a flat iron or curler so your efforts won't be wasted. Also, if you're using heat on your hair, like a flat iron, curling iron, or blow dryer, spray a heat protector in your hair first. This will help to give your hair more protection against the damaging heat. Find a styling product that's best for you. I personally like mousse since it's lighter weight and not as harsh as gel on my hair.  There are also sprays, oils, and wax that are available too.

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Make sure you're using the correct Shampoo and Conditioner. If you color your hair you should be using a shampoo and conditioner that is specially for dyed hair.  Even if just the ends are dyed! The reason being that these conditioners have added vitamins and nutrients made so your colored hair won't become brittle or damaged. Also, you should use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to avoid build-up in your hair. For those with damaged hair or women who are pregnant, use a product that is protein fortified. When your hair is damaged (split, brittle, dry) or when you're pregnant your hair is being stripped of its proteins so products that are protein fortified helps your hair to stay strong and healthy.

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Blow Dry Your Hair To Get Volume. If you're like me, you might have a hard time getting volume in your hair. One of the best tips that I got from my hairdresser was when my hair is wet, blow dry it. First, when blow drying your hair keep the nozzle 6 inches away from your hair so it won't be as damaging! Blow dry the top first and finish be flipping your hair over and blow dry the rest of it. Here's how to get volume though.... WAIT to flip your hair back over! If you want volume wait until the heat is gone from your hair to flip it back over! Style and go. Now, if you live somewhere more humid this volume might not last for long. You can check out {THIS VIDEO} on how to do rollers to add volume and style. What I do is after my shower, I blow dry each section and set each section with curlers. I'll let my hair cool while I apply my makeup and then take them down and my hair would be finished at the same time! This might take an extra 5-10 minutes depending on the length of your hair, but you'll have great volume and your hair will be done for the day without any more styling.

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Try to do something new. I like change and I find that the easiest thing for me to change is my hair. It could be something as simple as curling it one day or putting in a braid or a cute up do. But if you feel like you're in a rut, change it up!  If you are going to color you hair I recommend natural colors.  Also, when dressing up, have some fun and dress up your hair and make up too. You want your overall look to be cohesive and put together. There are great video tutorials out there that can help you with whatever look you want.  Just have fun with it!

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For makeup:
Moisturize! First and foremost you need to moisturize! This is something that I learned from my grandma who is in her late 80's but looks closer to late 50's, early 60's. If you take care of your skin then you don't have to wear as much make up.  I personally like a tinted moisturizer, especially during the summer time. Also, make sure to get a lotion with SPF in it. Nowadays, almost every brand has an SPF in it, so make sure to use it.  You're skin is important so take good care of it!  You should be able to find the perfect moisturizer for you skin type.  Also be sure to cleanse your face and wash off makeup completely after you're finished.  It's also important to keep your makeup utensils clean- change them out every 4-6 months.  You don't want any bacteria to start growing.

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You're a Natural Beauty. The point of make up is not to cover up but to enhance your own beautiful features!  Love what you were blessed with but if you're going to wear makeup don't spend a ton of time doing it.  I seriously take 5 minutes to do my own make up, if I'm trying to really dress it up then maybe ten.  Also, you have to find out what cosmetics works best for you. The main things most women need are concealer/foundation, eye liner, mascara, blush and a lip color. That's about it. Some people with really good skin might not even need the concealer/foundation or blush. It's up to you.  Taking 5 minutes to put on make up helps to enhance the features you have, not hide them!  It could be your eyes, cheek bones, lips.   Some easy tips to remember are to focus on one feature that you want to highlight.  If you do a dark color on your lips, go easy on the eyes.  When making your eyes the focus then go for a natural, lighter colored lip.

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Know your color. So this might just be my own pet peeve but I hate it when I see someone with an orange face but a white neck and body.  Really, the reason it bugs me so much is because it's such an easy fix!  Be sure to take a moment and step back to see if this is happening to you!  Many times this occurs in between seasons when you are getting darker in the summer or fairer in the winter.  Find a foundation and concealer that is as close to your skin color as possible.  There are so many different varieties to choose from too- minerals, creams, liquid, powders, even airbrushed foundation! Also, choose the rest of your color palette to blend in with your own natural tones. You don't want a blush that is too pink or red that will make you look like you have clown cheeks.  Remember that when dealing with make up... Less is More!

Want to play with makeup and hair but don't want to shell out the cash?  Check out this {LINK}.  For more specific tips on how to do certain make up applications, leave a comment and I'll get back to you in another post!

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Modest Makeup | post 08

Modesty, Noun

1.  freedom from conceit or vanity

2.  propriety in dress, speech, or conduct

Modesty.  Do you know what that is?  Well according to Merriam-Webster.com it is defined as freedom from conceit or vanity, propriety in dress, speech, or conduct.
Now what does propriety mean?  You can either click on this {link} for the literal definition, or summed up it can mean proper, decent, appropriate, polite or TRUE NATURE....

"God has given you one face and you make yourself another" - Hamlet

In a recent article on Yahoo.com, they shared a photo of a reality television star, Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi without ANY make up on.  Now Snooki is notoriously known for fake bake'n it up, layers of bronzer, fake eyelashes, radical hair colors, and tons of cosmetics applied to her face.  What do you think?  Better with or without make up?  In my opinion, she looks TONS better without-  she went from Oompa Loompa to Snow White! ;)  .....

Ever wonder why women start wearing make up in the first place?  It usually starts in your teens and doesn't end until you're very mature.  Teenage young ladies wanting to look more grown up, trying to fit in with peers, wanting to fix their 'flaws', or maybe trying to mimic a famous celeb's image, will start wearing cosmetics to 'make up' for lack of self confidence and individuality.  They can then form a life long habit and mind set believing that they ONLY look good with make up on.

In the article on Yahoo of Snooki wearing no makeup, nearly all the comments agreed that she looked much better without it, yet our society is constantly flashing advertisements giving ideations that we NEED make up to fit in and look good.  In this day it truly takes self mastery to NOT wear make up.

When I was a teenager, I used to perform in Hawai'i in front of tourists dancing hula and tahitian and we were told to wear heavy make up and false lashes because the bright lights would wash out our features.  I'm pretty sure this is the same thing many celebs and models need to do since they are constantly in front of cameras and bright lights.  Now that I'm older I don't wear heavy makeup and occasionally wear light make up for special outings, occasions and usually for church.  I don't always feel confident with out any make up on {I'm no Angelina Jolie} but do think that when you are wearing make up casually, then it should be JUST to enhance the features that you have and not let them get hidden by wearing too much.  You should not look completely different when you do or don't wear make up.  Embrace who you are and the beauty that you have.

To the brave and confident women who don't ever wear any makeup I applaud you.  To those who do, I suggest to keeping it natural and modest.  You don't want to look like someone else when all that makeup comes off.  You are probably very gorgeous if not MORE without any on!  Don't be fooled by celebrities or cosmetics ads.  No one is flawless!  If you do end up going heavy on the makeup then I wold recommend only for VERY special occasions.  Buy cosmetics in natural shades and tones.  Try to stay away from all those very tempting colors- greens, reds, purple, orange, blue {unless you know how to use them}.  Hope this article helps you to reflect on how you do your makeup, how much makeup you put on, if it's modest, and why you do.  Remember that you were created in the image of God and as my husband likes to say, "if it isn't broken don't fix it!" 

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Welcome! | post 01

Welcome to The Modest Wardrobe! 

This is a collaborative blog with helpful tips and ideas encouraging women to dress modestly, according to our fashion beliefs.  While we are not experts, we hope to inspire women of all ages, backgrounds and heritages to feel confident in modesty and to see that you CAN be fashionable while dressing in this manner.  Many times in our society, modesty is looked at as dull, drab, and old fashioned but we at The Modest Wardrobe think otherwise.  Modest fashion can be fun, trendy, stylish, elegant and sophisticated during any event or situation....

In The Modest Wardrobe you'll be able to see before and after photos, guest bloggers, read personal struggles & triumphs, tips & tricks, and DIY.  We'll also include many examples for dressing during pregnancy & post partum, swimming, sports, date nights, and church.   We hope you may gain modest fashion ideas and apply them to your own personal style and personality.  Have fun viewing our blog and come back often!

We will officially be up and running January 2012, thank you for your patience!  We gladly appreciate input, sponsors, guest bloggers and reader requests!

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